Hamster Ball Derby this Saturday!

It’s “derby season” once again and enthusiasts across the country are gearing up for some fierce competitions. But there’s one race that’s a little different (and furrier) than most: the PETCO annual Hamster Ball Derby where kids are the coaches and their prized pet hamsters are the athletes.

petco.com

On your mark. Get set. Roll!

The Hamster Ball Derby takes place in PETCO stores nationwide this Saturday, April 24 at 2 p.m. (Practice sessions begin at 1:30 p.m.) Last year’s race drew more than 10,000 racing hamsters (willing or not… eep!) and their cheering guardians.

Furry critters will don plastic “run-about balls” (said to provide a “safe form of exercise”) and zoom down tracks in heats of four for a chance to compete in the winners circle.

Races take approximately one hour to complete and all participants are encouraged to practice with their pets ahead of time, building up to three 15-minute “workouts” per week, with rest days in between.

The three fastest hamsters at each store will win bragging rights and fabulous hamster-sized prizes.

Registration for the race is free, although participants are required to bring along a size-appropriate hamster ball and their furry friend on race day. Visit the PETCO website to find the store nearest you.

The event is also designed as an opportunity to reinforce proper pet care and respect for animals. Each race kicks off with tips from a PETCO small-animal expert on how to keep hamsters (and other small pets) healthy and happy, including proper feeding habits, the importance of exercise and understanding a hamster’s nocturnal nature.